Can You Freeze Rice?

Instructions

How to freeze UNCOOKED RICE

Place the package of uncooked rice in a gallon freezer bag and seal tightly. Label and freeze for up to 18 months.

How to freeze COOKED RICE

Whether it be cooked white rice, brown rice, Mexican rice, or Spanish rice, all can be frozen in the same way:

1. Cool the cooked rice. The key to maintaining a good texture with frozen rice is to make sure the rice is completely cool before freezing. We recommend spreading cooked rice on a large cookie sheet to help it cool quickly and evenly. 
2. Divide into portions. Once the rice is cool, scoop portions into quart or gallon-size freezer bags. Be sure to squeeze all of the air out when sealing. 
3. Label and freeze. Label your freezer bag with the type of rice, amount, and date. Stack your bags of rice on a flat surface in your freezer. And that’s it!

How Long Does Rice Last in the Freezer?

According to the USDA, as long as frozen food is kept at 0°F in the freezer, it is safe to consume for an indefinite amount of time. Since we know it’s safe to consume indefinitely, the question then becomes “how long will the rice retain optimal taste and texture in the freezer?” 

Uncooked rice can be frozen for up to 18 months if packaged well. However, cooked rice is a different story. Our experience in writing From Freezer to Table and From Freezer to Cooker has proven that most frozen foods, including cooked rice, should be consumed within 3-6 months for optimal taste and texture. 

How to Use Frozen Rice

Our favorite thing about using frozen rice? It doesn’t need to be thawed! That’s right. You can reheat it directly from the frozen state, either in the microwave or in a recipe, by following the steps below:

• Reheat cooked, frozen rice in the microwave. Break your block of frozen rice into chunks and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Add a drizzle of a flavorful oil or a dab of butter and cover the dish with a damp paper towel. You may also want to add a little chicken broth for additional moisture. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, add more broth if needed, and then heat an additional minute or so. Serve while the rice is hot!

• Add cooked frozen rice directly into a recipe. If the rice is going to be stirred into a casserole mix, a soup, or a recipe with a good amount of liquid, you can add it in its frozen state. 

• For uncooked frozen rice, simply place the amount of frozen rice you’d like to cook on the counter or in the fridge for several hours. You can then cook and prepare the rice according to the package directions. 

Recipes to Use Frozen Cooked Rice

After freezing your rice, use it in one of these delicious recipes…

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Toss in your cooked rice at the end of making this popular (and super easy!) vegetarian soup.

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup